The Best Time of the Year is Back In the Village! By Malakhi Rozell.
SOUTH WEBSTER, Ohio — After a rough 2024–25 campaign, the Lady Jeeps look to hit the ground running this season. South Webster graduated one senior and now adds five incoming freshmen. Head coach Ryan Dutiel said he is confident in the team’s athleticism and senior leadership to carry the group to a much-improved year.
The squad returns leading scorer and rebounder Addison Claxon, a senior who averaged 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season. She also posted a season-high 27 points against Wheelersburg, making three 3-pointers in the matchup. Other notable returners include sophomore guard Raelynn Humble and junior forward Eden Smith. In 2024–25, Humble ranked third on the team in assists, while Smith appeared in all 23 games — a feat only one other returning player achieved.
During the team’s media day, Dutiel expressed his optimism about the upcoming season.
“We want to have a successful season,” he said. “If we could, we obviously want to win the SOC III and get as much playing time for these kids as possible. Then make a deep tournament run.”
Even after last year’s struggles, Dutiel said he believes the team is ready to bounce back.
“They’ve grown since last year, and with the influx of talent with the new freshmen who are extremely athletic. We play with more confidence and pace. The freshmen also bring a lot of energy.”
The five Lady Jeeps in the class of 2029 look to bring energy, talent and, most importantly, wins. Each of the freshmen is expected to see significant varsity minutes. The group includes No. 2 Natalee Eskridge, No. 3 Ava Claxon, No. 4 Emma Campbell, No. 21 Violet Edwards and No. 25 Lainey Williams. The class went undefeated and won the eighth-grade championship last season.
But even with a large group of newcomers, the team still needs a leader. Dutiel had no hesitation naming senior Addi Claxon as that voice.
“She’s been leading us for the last two years. She’s a natural-born leader,” he said. “When it comes time to hit the tournaments, I know Addi will have them in the right frame of mind.”
The Lady Jeeps enter the season hungry and ready to surprise area competition. They have already won all three scrimmages they have played.
South Webster opens its season on November 24th at Chesapeake at 6 p.m. Go Jeeps!
The Lady Jeeps’ Official 2025-26 Team Photo (credits: Ed Litteral)
Lady Jeeps 2025-26 Roster
#2 Natalee Eskridge FR
#3 Ava Claxon FR
#4 Emma Campbell FR
#5 Raelynn Humble SO
#11 Angel Stacey SO
#12 Addi Claxon SR (Captain)
#21 Violet Edwards FR
#23 Eden Smith JR
#24 Kylie Rawlins SO
#23 Caden Johnson SR
#25 Lainey Williams FR
#42 Makenna Burk SO
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Ryan Dutiel
Asst. Coach: Cortland Bowman
Asst. Coach: Corey Sherman